RangersMedia

Having The Last Laugh Tuesday, 17 January 2012 21:04 Written by Kev

I can remember them laughing at me. 

It was Rangers vs Osasuna at Ibrox in March 2007. Walter Smith hadn’t long returned to Ibrox and this was his first European test. His return was a breath of fresh air after the Le Guen era that Rangers fans were trying hard to forget about. I had the full day off and decided to spend it in town before heading to Ibrox later that night. Myself and a friend were browsing Glasgow’s many fine outlets and made our way to the Rangers shop on Argyle Street to browse the many fine products on display. It was in there that I made the decision to get ‘Weir 3’ printed on the back of my top.
They sat behind me chuckling away. I was sitting in the Club Deck, second row from the back. We were 1-0 down at the time, but these people were sitting giggling like school girls at the fact I had ‘Weir 3’ on the back of my top.
I didn’t understand it and perhaps I should’ve questioned them. But then I was probably in the minority of fans who fully supported the signing of the veteran centre back. I can remember the derision and bafflement the signing was greeted with on RangersMedia. Sure, there were a lot of “A solid defender is what we need” responses, but the overwhelming response was one of “Why are we signing a player who is past it?”

Past it? Now that is funny.

In his time at Rangers, David Weir has won 8 trophies, including three league titles, and has played in a major European final. He’s won individual awards too; he was just three days short of his 40th birthday when he won the 2010 Football Writers Association Player of the Year award. It will come as no surprise to learn that he is the oldest player to ever receive that accolade. His contribution to the success of Walter Smith’s return can never be understated. He was the foundation upon which success has been built. Cuellar and Bougherra have both received praise for their performances, but both would be quick to nod in the direction of their defensive partner if asked for the key to their successes. 

It is lamentably sad how Weir’s time at Rangers has somewhat petered out. His early substitution against Malmo in our first match of the season remains his only outing this term, but that should not detract from his incredible contribution to the club, even this season. His mere presence at the training ground will have definitely been a lift to the players who have played under his captaincy. He has played a vital role in the development of youngsters like Ross Perry who could not ask for a better example to follow. Weir’s contribution goes beyond his remarkable on the park performances. 

It’s January 2012 now, just a few days short of the five year anniversary of Weir’s signing. Rangers Football Club has changed. But there are certain things about this club that will forever be constant. There’s a desire to win, to be the best, to never surrender, to inspire. We always strive to conduct ourselves with dignity and decorum, but we’ve always got that fire in the belly and we always want to come out on top.

And that is David Weir in a nutshell. 

I am unbelievably proud to have had a gentleman like David Weir captain this football club. He has been an inspiration both on and off the field and no matter what I type, I cannot express my gratitude to him fully. In fact, it’s best I not even try and find articulate my thoughts. It’s best I just keep it simple.

Thank you, Captain.